Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

The majority of UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one of them and wish to install a wood stove then you'll require a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them through their logos that are Defra-approved.

Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to prevent the flame from burning which reduces the amount of smoke that is produced. They also make use of fuel more efficiently.

What is what is a Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra Exempt Stove is a wood-burning heating appliance for domestic use that has passed the tests conducted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been independently tested and have met the strictest standards for emissions. Exempt stoves from Defra are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you reside in a smoke-control area it is necessary to have a DEFRA approved stove since you cannot legally burn wood (unless you are an authorised fuel) without one. If you install a non-DEFRA approved Eco design stoves-approved stove in a smoke-control area, you could be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could face prosecution.

From the outside there is very little distinction between the Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been awarded this status. There are however a few things that stove makers do in order to make their appliances DEFRA Exempt. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that aren't designed to starve fires of oxygen. This can cause them to smolder or emit excessive amounts of smoke.

To avoid this manufacturers will adjust the top vent of a stove that is Defra approved. This will stop the possibility of shutting the vent completely down because it would cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually a small screw inside the top of the stove, below the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn different kinds of fuels in addition to wood. This is a great choice if you reside in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Area and you don't want the restriction of only using authorised fuels. Certain stoves that are exempt from Defra exemptions can be equipped with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand the larger size). This is a wonderful benefit for those looking to install wood-burning stoves but are worried about local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the advantages of a stove that is Defra certified?

Defra-approved stoves have many advantages that include the ability to meet local regulations as well as provide warm and cozy fire. They tend to be more efficient than non-Defra stoves and can reduce the amount of carbon that is produced. This can lead to significant savings on your heating costs. In addition, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and can be equipped with simple controls.

There are many factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel. These include your heating needs and aesthetic preferences as well as long-term goals. When choosing a stove it is essential to consider these aspects. A defra-exempt stove is an excellent choice for homeowners who live in smoke-controlled areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and conform to strict environmental guidelines, and can aid in reducing the impact that your stove can have on the environment.

Apart from complying with environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are also designed to offer superior combustion and flame distribution. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces an even and pleasant flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means that they can stand up to higher temperatures and last longer.

Additionally to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves can be used with a 5" chimney liner, which is ideal for homes that are located in smoke-free areas. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you plan to use your stove with wet wood or other damp fuel, it will cause smoke nuisance and possibly result in a prosecution by the local authority.

To get Defra approval, stove manufacturers must make modifications to their appliances to limit the amount of air that can be removed during the combustion process. Typically, the top air control will be altered to prevent it from being closed all the way. Closing the air supply to a stove too much can cause it to smoulder rather than burning properly, which in turn will cause smoke that is unpleasant.

What is the difference between a Defra-approved stove and a non-Defra-approved stove?

The most obvious distinction is that a defra certified stove can legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempted stove won't. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have passed tests to prove that they are able to effectively and safely burn wood in smoke controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. If you live in an area which is smoke-free, you can use the new stove without the risk of penalties.

A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other kinds of wood burning stoves, which means it will generate more heat and will emit less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who want to save money on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that are approved by Defra will be marketed with the Defra Approved Logo which is used by stove manufacturers. You can also determine if a stove is Defra-exempt by examining the specifications or visiting the website of the manufacturer.

When you are choosing a Defra approved stove it is essential to think about the style you want as there are many different options available. Some are more traditional and look beautiful in an old fireplace chamber, or inglenook. Others are more modern in style and would suit a more contemporary living space.

Check that the stove is Defra-exempt. It should be listed on the DEFRA list of approved appliances, or bear the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers advertise their stoves as Defra exempt, even though they haven't been tested to show that they are. It is easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test it and incur the cost of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, making sure that the wood used to fuel it is sourced sustainably and properly dried before burning. This means it is less likely to produce large quantities of smoke, which is beneficial to the environment and also helps keep chimneys and flue systems cleaner for longer.

What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove and a Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

You'll have to consider several aspects when selecting the best stove for you home. These include the style the heat output, style, and fuel type. You may have seen on our website that many stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that for the average homeowner, may appear to be nothing more than a marketing jargon, however, it has very important implications for people living in smoke-free areas.

To ensure compliance with the laws prohibiting the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are constructed with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you decrease the flow of air to the fire the wood will begin to smoulder and produce excessive smoke, which would be in breach of the law. To avoid this ensure that your wood is dried prior to use in the stove.

You can also make use of an exempt DEFRA stoves comparison wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas, and steam coal that is low volatile. If you install a non-DEFRA stove in your home and you burn wet wood, or any other fuels that aren't on the DEFRA's list, you could be subject to penalties of up to PS1000.

Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, a DEFRA exempt wood burner is still an excellent option since they are typically more environmentally and friendly to neighbours because they can be operated without generating polluting smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney and flue clean for longer. However, it is to be noted that in 2022 all new stoves must meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations which set minimum efficiencies OGV, NOX ceilings, and have emission limits which are considerably higher than those currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.